I am in the Northwest Zone so everything up here starts later. I have used shotguns, bows and rifles and had pretty good luck so I thought I'd see how far I can push it. I feel confident out to 35 yds or so. I actually enjoy using my .270 and find it challenging. You either kill the bird cleanly or totally miss it if you aim for the head. I try to set up and call to get a 50-75 yard shot with the rifle (from a tree stand when possible). I have shot them with a bow before and that wasn't all that hard as long as it was one bird and he started strutting and turned his back to you (of course it took a lot of birds before the right shot came along). I'll let you know how the pistol try goes. I have seen an awful lot of BIG birds during deer season. Happy Hunting.